International Agents

If you’re thinking about studying with The Glasgow School of Art, you may choose to seek support from one of our authorised education agents or counsellors to help with your application. To make sure you get the best support, the UK education sector has established the Agent Quality Framework (AQF), a set of standards and resources that support agents and counsellors to:

• have up-to-date knowledge about studying in the UK

• understand the UK’s visa and immigration system

• give advice that is in line with your interests and supports your study abroad journey.

This UK education sector-wide initiative aims to improve the experience of international students working with education agents and counsellors to apply to study in the UK, meaning you can feel more confident that the advice you receive is accurate and that your application is being handled correctly.

Committing to the AQF is a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requirement for all UK education providers who use and work with education recruitment agents and counsellors. The Glasgow School of Art are committed to the requirements set out in student sponsor guidance and the four key AQF principles:

• Empowering student choice and enabling informed decision making.

• Ensuring good agent governance and professionalism.

• Promoting ethical agent practices, professional knowledge and competency.

• Increasing transparency and accountability.

National code of ethical practice for education agents

The national code of ethical practice for UK education agents lies at the heart of the AQF. It sets out the standards and best practices that agents and counsellors representing UK education providers must follow. Student sponsors are required to manage agents to ensure compliance with the national code as part of their sponsor duties. For more information about the AQF please visit www.aqf.info.

If you have any questions about the AQF and using the services of one our partner agents, please contact international@gsa.ac.uk

Introduction

The Glasgow School of Art works closely with a diverse global community of trusted education agents and partners. Our agents are an important part of the international applicant journey, supporting prospective students as they learn about the opportunities available at GSA, guiding them through the application process, and assisting them as they prepare to begin their studies in Scotland.

We are firmly committed to the UK Agent Quality Framework (AQF) and uphold its principles in all aspects of our agent engagement. Through this commitment, The Glasgow School of Art strives to maintain high standards in agent management and ensurethat our institution continues to be a leading choice for students from aroundthe world.

We have recently signed a pledge with the British Universities International Liaison Association and the British Council, which declares our continued commitment to:

·       Empowering student choice and enabling informed decision making.

·       Ensuring good agent governance and professionalism.

·       Promoting ethical agent practices, professional knowledgeand competency.

·       Increasing transparency and accountability.

Read more about the AQF: About the UK Agent Quality Framework(AQF) | British Council

Choosing an Agent

You can consult the British Council’s ‘Student and Parent guide to choosing an education agent’, which offers further advice and includes a list of accredited agents who have completed the British Council’s UK Certified Counsellor Training.

Study UK: a student guide to choosing an education agent

Once you’ve selected an agent to work with, please remember that no agent can guarantee admission, secure scholarships, or expedite the visa process. If anything youare told seems unclear or inconsistent, we strongly encourage you to verify it directly with us by contacting the GSA International Team at International@gsa.ac.uk

What is the role and responsibilities of an Agent?

Agents have a duty to provide honest and transparent information about the universities that they represent and the application process.  

They should:

• be reliable and trustworthy in the provision of accurate and up-to-date information;
• ask questions, listen to your answers, and give personalised advice based on what exactly you are looking for;  
• be well informed on all aspects of the study experience, or able to locate such information when asked;  
• respect your choices; 
• maintain open communication channels with you throughout the application process; 
• act in your best interests at all times.

They should not:  

• be biased towards any one institution; 
• act without your permission; 
• encourage you to do anything which may compromise your application or visa; 
• make offers of admission on behalf of the university.

If your agent does not fulfil these responsibilities, you should inform the GSA via our official complaint’s procedure. 

For further information, please refer to the AQF’s National Code of Ethical Practice for UK Education Agents.

What are my rights as a student working with an Agent?

When working with an agent, you are entitled to:  

• fair and respectful treatment, without discrimination or bias; 
• make decisions without pressure or coercion; 
• reliable support with your university and visa applications; 
• ask for clarification if information is unclear or confusing; 
• report any concerns you might have about an agent’s behaviour or the information they provide. 

 When should I make a formal complaint about an Agent and how do I do this?

As prospective students of The Glasgow School of Art, we take your concerns very seriously. You should inform The GSA immediately if an agent: 

• encourages you to do anything dishonest; 
• pressures you into giving them money; 
• withholds information or documentation: 
• makes decisions without your permission;  
• is unable to provide basic information, or gives inaccurate information, about a university they represent; 
• coerces you into applying to – or accepting an offer at – a university you don’t wish to study at; 
• acts unprofessionally or aggressively; 
• doesn’t provide the level of service you are entitled to.

If you wish to make a complaint a bout any of the issues listed here, or any other concerns you have about your agent, you should contact us at International@gsa.ac.uk. Please include your full name, your applicant ID number, the name of your agent and (if appropriate) any counsellors, and as much detailas possible about the situation.  

We will investigate all complaints discreetly, so please do not worry about this information being shared with the agent.  

Our response to a complaint will depend on the nature and seriousness of the concern raised, but may involve meeting with the agent to review their performance and procedures, providing additional training or guidance, removing the agent’s association from your application, or issuinga formal warning where appropriate. In the most serious circumstances, The Glasgow School of Art may also terminate the agent’s contract.

Issues or problems with representatives

If you are concerned your chosen representative is not meeting the expectations outlined above and wish to change representative, please contact GSA’s International Office immediately at International@gsa.ac.uk

Further Guidance

British Council: About the UK Agent Quality Framework (AQF) | British Council

British Universities International Liaison Association: Buila UK |Representing the interests of our 144 Higher Education…

Our Agents

The Glasgow School of Art works with a range of approved agents that help applicants select the most suitable institution and degree programme including providing assistance with their application. A full list of the agents we work with across the world are listed below.

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